Scary perhaps, ivan, but it isn't unique. Only the other day, it was announced that, at some time in the near future, we are to be given the choice of whether or not we go on the ID card register. The sting in the tail is that, if we don't, then we cannot obtain a passport. Which means we will not be able to go abroad.
So applying similar devious moves to control the size of caravans much different.
I've just been checking my 2 vans out and come across another interesting bit of trivia.
My VW has a mgw of 2515kg with a towing limit of 1985kg and a gtw of 4500kg
My Merc has a mgw of 4600kg with a towing limit of 1900kg but a gtw of 6000kg
This means that although the Merc is legal towing the caravan, I lose half a ton of payload when the caravan is attached, whereas I can load the VW to its maximum weight and still have enough capacity to tow the caravan.
Do you realsie that you do not pay VAT on these larger caravans because they fall under residential. The quickest way to get these on the roads is to remind Gordon how much tax he could nail us for if it was legal to tow these extra wide caravans behind an adequate 4 x 4.
No VAT? Now that's got to be a reason for owning one. Maybe we all ought to buy them now before the government realises and slaps tax on them
With regardsto my earlier post, I'm seriously considering seeing if it's possible to have my VW upgraded. To gain nearly a ton , I'm not holding out much hope though.
Owning a 250cm wide van is fine, and realistically you could tow it with any 4x4 and the police would probably not have a clue. However if the worst possible scenario happened and you had an accident ruining your van & vehicle, a.n other's vehicle, and causing injury or god forbid...death. Then be under no illusuions; whoever is responsible for the accident, YOU will be held accountable by the insurance companies involved by driving an illegal unit. All your insurances would be void. That includes motor insurance AND life insurance on your mortgage. You would then be liable for all costs involved which often run into hundreds of thousands of pounds sometimes millions. Believe me. My wife works for Norwich Union and has seen many people lose homes and go bankrupt because they have voided their own insurance in one way or another. Be careful.
How is the GVW determined and who decides on it? My 4 x 4 does not have any GVW on the registration document as it is an imported vehicle and according to the insurance company they will cover me in the event of an accident as it appears I will not be breaking the law by towing a 2.55 wide caravan.
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Topic: Wide Caravans
